It's easy to get a famous chef to sit for an interview about his latest restaurant or cookbook. But for this article in The Washington Post, the writer took Jacques Pépin shopping at the Giant supermarket to see what the 72-year-old French chef would buy and what he'd make. Get a link to the story, plus Pépin's recipes, below...
We loved reading about Pépin weighing acorn squash and peeling away the brown leaves of a head of cabbage before tossing it into his cart. He didn't have a menu planned when he went shopping. His philosophy: "Yes, I sometimes take the weekend and make something ambitious, but most days I go to the market, I see what looks good, I buy things, I come home and I cook. That's it."
He spent less than $24, which is why we were surprised when the meal (five courses) fed six people at The Post's offices. He made short ribs, kielbasa with cabbage, baked apples, and sweet-and-sour acorn squash that sounded delicious. And when he sautéed some mushrooms, it was with wine from a bottle that cost $4.50.
Read the article, by Joe Yonan:
And get the recipes:
Related: Eric Ripert's New Website: Avec Eric
(Images: James M. Thresher for The Washington Post)
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One of my heroes.
He's a living-cooking encyclopedia.
His lessons are so apt right now--I'm sure that's part of the reason why we're reading about him. How awesome that "fast food his way" is really homemade food prepared quickly! So much to learn, so little time!
view art's profile
I would love to see more chefs taking on challenges like this! Sure there are times for fancy foods, but everyday cooking is what I like to read/see/learn most about since that's what I do, and I'm really trying to be much better about budgeting as well.
Often I hear Martha Stewart joke about how much something costs at Whole Foods that they purchased for the show, and I don't find that humorous. I think, why don't they buy seasonal foods (or better yet, shop at a farmer's market) and cook with those instead?
And for those Jacques Pepin lovers, I highly suggest borrowing the dvds from your local library of Jacques and Julia Child's Cooking At Home from PBS. Educational AND Entertaining. http://www.amazon.com/Julia-Jacques-Cooking-At-Home/dp/B00009WO95/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1226360621&sr=8-2
Thanks for this post!
view bobcatsteph3's profile
MMMMMMMMM
Emily
view Emily Sneds's profile
I just made the Fast Food My Way pumpkin soup yesterday (added a little curry powder as I am constitutionally unable to follow a recipe as written.) JP is my hero...everything we ever make from his books are healthy, delicious and easy. The perfect combo!
view debtex's profile
pepin is my hero too. watched him for years. enjoyed the shows with his daughter and wife, too. he really inspires you to respect and love food. he and julia were magic together. get those shows and watch 'em!
view avianmission's profile
he's really the best!
view Joan in SB's profile
I bought a "Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home" book from a library sale for less than $10. There were 3 copies. I got one and when I came back 30 minutes later the other two were already gone.
view kbittner's profile
Yes, he's so practical and down-to-earth. I always giggle when he adds a little "eau de chateau."
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